Samoa Observer’s senior journalist Sialai Sarafina Sanerivi arrived in Japan on Monday to cover the 10th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting – PALM10 – from 16 to 18 July.

PALM10 takes place every three years and this is where Pacific Islands Forum Leaders including the Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mataafa will meet with the Government of Japan in Tokyo.

Ms. Sanerivi will be there to shed light on what is being discussed, the outcomes for the region and how Samoa will benefit from these important talks.

As a journalist, Ms. Sanerivi has covered regional meetings and keenly follows international developments impacting the region.

The PALM process presents an invaluable opportunity for the Pacific and Japan to discuss shared concerns and priorities in a spirit of genuine partnership and friendship.  

Things on the agenda include climate financing, grants and possibility of labour mobility to Japan.

Prime Minister of the Cook Islands and Forum Chair Mark Brown said “Pacific engagement with Japan through the PALM process began nearly three decades ago and our strong bonds run deep. This foundation has enabled us to find meaningful ways to work towards our common aspirations for peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity.”

To deliver on the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and the region’s development aspirations, genuine partnerships are essential. Japan has been a long-time partner to the Pacific as a region, as well as to Pacific Islands Forum members individually.

“It is essential that PALM10 strengthens collective efforts in responding to challenges including climate change and disasters; ocean and environment; resources and economic development; technology and connectivity; and people centred development,” said Mr. Brown.

“The 2050 Strategy and its Implementation Plan now frame the partnerships the Forum seek as a collective. The value and strength of our partnerships will be measured against commitments and support for the 2050 priorities, and we have worked closely with Japan to align our actions moving forward.

“We look forward to continuing frank dialogue on Japan’s discharge of ALPS Treated Water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the Pacific Ocean, understanding and recognising a healthy ocean is critical for our islands, securing the sustainable future of our Blue Pacific continent.”

Prime Minister Brown will Co-Chair the meeting with Hon Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kishida.

Also attending are the Leaders of Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu, New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister, and Ministers and representatives from Australia, Kiribati, New Caledonia, and Papua New Guinea.